Arc inspirations

ARC Inspirations: A High-Performing Bar Group in the North of England

ARC Inspirations is a high-performing, commercially successful bar group in the North of England. With 17 venues across three brands, ARC Inspirations has established itself as a leading player in the hospitality industry. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a loyal customer base and numerous awards.

The History of ARC Inspirations

ARC Inspirations was founded by Martin Wolstencroft in 1999 with the opening of The Arc bar in Headingley, Leeds. Wolstencroft had previously worked for Bass Leisure Retail and Scottish & Newcastle before deciding to strike out on his own. The Arc was an instant success, attracting a young and trendy crowd with its stylish decor and innovative drinks menu.

Encouraged by this early success, Wolstencroft opened more bars under the ARC brand over the next few years. In 2004, he launched Trio Bar & Grill in Headingley, which offered a more upmarket dining experience than The Arc. This was followed by Zed Bar & Grill in Chapel Allerton, which had a similar concept but with an Asian twist.

In 2007, ARC Inspirations acquired two bars from Living Ventures - Banyan Bar & Kitchen in Harrogate and Box Bar & Grill in Leeds - which marked its entry into the premium casual dining market. These acquisitions were followed by further expansion into Manchester with two new venues - The Pit and Deansgate Locks - both of which were highly successful.

Today, ARC Inspirations operates three distinct brands: Banyan Bar & Kitchen (premium casual dining), Manahatta (cocktail bars) and BOX (sports bars). Each brand has its own unique identity but shares common values such as quality food and drink offerings, stylish interiors and excellent customer service.

The Brands

Banyan Bar & Kitchen

Banyan Bar & Kitchen is ARC Inspirations' premium casual dining brand. The first Banyan opened in Harrogate in 2006 and has since expanded to six locations across the North of England. Banyan offers a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, with stylish interiors and an extensive food and drink menu.

The food menu at Banyan is inspired by global cuisine, with dishes such as Korean fried chicken, Moroccan lamb tagine and Thai green curry. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available. The drinks menu features an impressive selection of cocktails, wines, beers and spirits.

Manahatta

Manahatta is ARC Inspirations' cocktail bar brand. The first Manahatta opened in Leeds in 2016 and has since expanded to four locations across the North of England. Manahatta offers a glamorous yet laid-back atmosphere, with plush furnishings, neon lighting and a lively soundtrack.

The drinks menu at Manahatta is focused on cocktails but also includes wine, beer and spirits. Signature cocktails include the Pornstar Martini (vanilla vodka, passionfruit liqueur, lime juice) and the Espresso Martini (vodka, Kahlua coffee liqueur). There are also sharing cocktails available for groups.

BOX

BOX is ARC Inspirations' sports bar brand. The first BOX opened in Leeds in 2011 as part of the Deansgate Locks development. BOX offers a fun-filled atmosphere for sports fans to watch live events on big screens while enjoying food and drink with friends.

The food menu at BOX features classic pub grub such as burgers, pizzas and wings as well as sharing platters for groups. There are also plenty of vegetarian options available. The drinks menu includes beer towers (perfect for sharing), pitchers of cocktails (such as Long Island Iced Tea) and shots served in syringes!

Awards

ARC Inspirations has won numerous awards over the years for its high-quality food and drink offerings, stylish interiors and excellent customer service. Some of the most notable awards include:

- Best Bar Group - Publican Awards 2019

- Best Managed Pub Company (2-50 sites) - Eat Drink Sleep Awards 2018

- Best Late Night Venue - Harrogate Hospitality & Tourism Awards 2017

- Best New Bar - Leeds Bar & Club Awards 2016

Conclusion

ARC Inspirations is a high-performing, commercially successful bar group in the North of England. With three distinct brands and 17 venues in total, ARC Inspirations has established itself as a leading player in the hospitality industry. The company's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it a loyal customer base and numerous awards. Whether you're looking for premium casual dining, cocktails or sports bars, ARC Inspirations has something for everyone.